There are many ways to reduce the risk of the not-so-good outcomes of alcohol for students who choose to drink. Of course, the only surefire way of avoiding these is to abstain altogether (and believe it or not, students choose not to drink!). Coming from your fellow Loggers, here are some harm reduction tips if you decide to drink:
- Keep track of the number of drinks consumed
- Know your limit
- Stay with friends
- Eat before (and while) drinking
- Have a buddy system
- Set a drink limit
- Stay hydrated (with water, juice, anything non-alcoholic)
- Be in a safe environment when you choose to drink
- Avoid mass consumption of hard alcohol (e.g., binge drinking)
- Find a sober friend
- Have a designated driver
- Drink in moderation
- Consume beverages slowly and monitor how you feel
- Never drink an opened or unattended drink
- Eat a full meal before intending to drink, not a salad
- Measure your drinks (know what a standard drink is)
- Refrain from driving
- Skip drinking games (or play with water instead)
- Space out your drinks over a longer period of time
- Tell a friend your plan for the night (where you’ll be, who with)
- Surround yourself with good people